Efforts are underway to investigate and develop methodologies for the transformation of butyric-acid clostridia (Clostridium acetobutylicum and related strains) and to investigate the fundamental and applied aspects of their molecular biology and genetics for biocatialysis applications. Little is known about the genetics or regulation of enzymatic activities involved in the formation of primary metabolism products (organic acids and solvents) of strict anaerober such as the butyric-acid clostridia. Mutants deficient in enzymes of solvent forming pathways will be isolated and characterized. These mutant strains will allow the cloning and characterization of genes which complement the deficiencies. This approach will not only allow isolation of the structural genes of the enzymes directly involved, but also enable regulatory elements which may be necessary for expression of these genes to be identified and analyzed.
